"Bringing in the Hay"

A 19th century oil on canvas painting attributed to Constant Troyon (Paris 1810-1865), a prominent French painter and one of the leaders of the late Impressionist Parisian "Barbizon School" (of which Corot was one of the founders). This landscape depicts farmers harvesting hay late in the season, with the start of Autumn storms encroaching dramatically on the scene. The painter depicts the hard work of bringing in the hay on horse and oxen driven carts, before the strong winds bring rain. Signed on the lower right "C. Troyon". Fitted in its original gilt frame. Area of Fontainebleau, Paris, circa 1860.